___ Republic of Macedonia

Destination Macedonia,
mountainous landlocked country on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Kosovo. The country was formerly a Republic within Yugoslavia, it gained independence in 1991.

Due to an ongoing dispute with Greece about the use of the name of Macedonia (the bordering northern region of Greece is also known as Macedonia), the country is now known as the 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' or short FYROM or Republic of Macedonia. The small nation covers only a part of the larger historical and geographical area known as Macedonia. Its culture and lifestyle has Ottoman and European influences.

Macedonia covers an area of 25,713 km², compared it is about two-third the size of Switzerland, or slightly larger than the U.S. state of Vermont. Macedonia is situated in a mountainous part of the Balkans, it is bisected from north west to south east by the Vardar River (also known as Axios river), the major river in the country and its longest. Highest point with 2,764 m is Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit; Mount Korab) a mountain situated on the border with Albania, it is the highest peak in both countries.

The Republic of Macedonia has a population of just over 2 million people (2014), largest city and the national capital is Skopje (Скопје). Official language is Macedonian, in writing the language uses an adaptation of the Cyrillic alphabet.

Republic of Macedonia | Republika Makedonija

Country Profile

Background:
The Republic of Macedonia, formerly a part of Yugoslavia from which it declared independence in 1991, is situated in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula (Southeastern Europe). The country is characterized by large and high mountain massifs giving way to extensive, flat valleys and plains.

International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM)
independence from Yugoslavia was delayed by Greece's objection to the
new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbol.
Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed
to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over FYROM's use of "Macedonia."
FYROM's large Albanian minority and the de facto independence of neighboring Kosovo
continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Official Name: Republika Makedonija
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (abbrev.; FYROM)
or
Republic of Macedonia

Geography:
Location: a landlocked country in the southern region of the Balkan Peninsula, north
of Greece.Area: 25,713 km² (9,927 sq. mi.)
Geography: Situated, Macedonia is landlocked and mountainous.
Terain: The country is mountainous, bisected by the Vardar River.

Archeological Museum of Macedonia in Skopje at night.Image: Marcin Szala

News

Media freedom has declined throughout the region, but the erosion of the rule of law has been most visible in Macedonia, a candidate for EU membership. There were many reports of threats, violence, harassment, and intimidation of journalists during political demonstrations in 2016, but of those responsible, few were charged. (RSF)